Power Steering issue

[nankay]

Power Steering is getting "Stiff". Occurs in both directions and appears to require consistent effort in both directions. Effort required is noticeably more than in years past. The likely causes are: dirty fluid, power steering pump or rack & pinion. I have siphoned out the dirty fluid in the reservoir and replaced with new several times, however fluid still looks dirty.
Questions:
1. What is best way to flush out the old fluid ?
2. How to test the pump to verify if it needs to be replaced ?
3. How to test the rack & pinion to verify if it nees to be replaced ?

 

[Schrade]

Welcome on to the boards there...

You got sleeping sickness - common early c4 steering problem. I do not remember the cause, but it should not be hard to solve.

 

[gmjunkie]

Power Steering is getting "Stiff". Occurs in both directions and appears to require consistent effort in both directions. Effort required is noticeably more than in years past. The likely causes are: dirty fluid, power steering pump or rack & pinion. I have siphoned out the dirty fluid in the reservoir and replaced with new several times, however fluid still looks dirty.
Questions:
1. What is best way to flush out the old fluid ?
2. How to test the pump to verify if it needs to be replaced ?
3. How to test the rack & pinion to verify if it nees to be replaced ?

This will cure 99% of them!

With front of car raised,I remove the return line off the reservoir and plug reservoir with a rubber plug!
1. Put the end of the line in a bucket!!(Secure so it won't jump out of the bucket!!)
2.Have helper start car and SLOWLY turn wheels Lt to Rt several times while you pour fresh fluid through the reservoir!! (about 2-3 qt's!!)
3.Shut off car and re-connect return line!!
4. Add 6 oz (1/2 of 12 oz bottle) Lucas Power steering stop leak and conditioner, top off with fresh fluid to add line!!http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...tid=2&loc=show

5.Start car and turn wheels lock to lock several times to purge air out of system while adding fresh fluid!! (Do Not Over fill!!)
6.Lower vehicle,Check fluid and drive vehicle around the block each direction a couple times and recheck fluid level and top off if needed!!

Restored smooth power steering operation are usually Immediate,but can take a few miles depending on severity!!

 

[So Bay Vetter]

2.Have helper start car and SLOWLY turn wheels Lt to Rt several times while you pour fresh fluid through the reservoir!! (about 2-3 qt's!!)

Man, I tried that once with the car running and could not pour fluid quick enough; the pump moves it pretty fast! I believe you can do the same thing by disabeling ignition and just cranking starter can't you?

 

[CAJUN C4]

This fixed mine.

Suck the resevoir dry, I believe it's approx. 16 oz.,add one bottle of Lucas Pwr. Steering Conditioner. It worked..It's fine over a year now.I didn't think it would work but this stuff is definatly NOT Snake Oil.It does what is says.

 

[JAKE]

The 96 LT1 system calls for synthetic power steering fluid and neither AutoZone nor O'Reilly's has synthetic.

Anyone know of who makes it? I only go the my Chevy parts department as a last resort.

Thanks,

Jake

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